Graduate and Medical Students Team Up For a Day of Service

On April 26, despite temperatures in the mid-40s and a steadily falling rain, 75 intrepid volunteers—comprised of graduate students, medical students, and Dartmouth faculty and staff—spent their day happily giving back to the community during the Dartmouth Day of Service. This event was the first year that the Day of Service was coordinated by members of both the Graduate Relief Team (GRT) and members of the Community Service Committee (CSC) from the Geisel School of Medicine.

Justin Richardson, a PhD student in the Earth, Ecosystem, and Ecological Sciences Program, was a volunteer at the COVER job site. “It was awesome to not only help people, but also connect to the Upper Valley community. I would really like to help volunteer again with COVER on my own accord.” COVER Home Repair (White River Junction, Vermont) assists in home repair and home weatherization for community members in need.

Volunteers also fixed up a classroom at David’s House in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Since 1986, David’s House has provided lodging, a safe space, and support for families whose children are undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). “It’s an amazing place, and this chance to volunteer has sparked a desire to continue to do so,” says Irina Mikheyeva, a first-year graduate student in Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Dartmouth Day of Service volunteers received positive feedback and thanks from the various site coordinators. Pam Vernon of Good Neighbor Health Clinic in White River Junction was pleased with the enthusiasm displayed by the volunteers at her site. “That’s so funny that you are thanking us for letting you clean our windows! Lot’s of people won’t do them. You guys are the best and we thank you very, very much for your great work,” Vernon commented.

The GRT thanks all of the graduate student volunteers who participated in the event. We look forward to co-hosting more events with the Geisel CSC in the future. If you would like to be added to the GRT mailing list, please e-mail your information.